Pomegranate Juice Group Research Articles

The erosive effect of pomegranate juice on enamel: An in vitro study.

Dental erosion is a chemical-mechanical process that leads to the loss of dental hard tissues. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on the enamel. Enamel blocks were randomly divided into three groups: deionized water, cola, and pomegranate juice. The blocks were immersed in the solutions four times a day for 14 days, and stored in artificial saliva for the remaining period. The surface hardness was measured on days 7 and 14. The surface structures of the demineralized blocks were observed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the depth of demineralization was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The pH, calcium, and phosphorus levels of the three solutions were analyzed. The microhardness values of the blocks in the pomegranate juice and cola groups decreased with the increase in the demineralization time. The blocks in the pomegranate juice group exhibited large fractures in the enamel column, whereas those in the cola group had pitted enamels with destruction of the interstitial enamel column. Compared with cola group, fluorescent penetration increased in pomegranate juice (P < 0.01). The pH of cola (2.32 ± 0.09) was lower than that of pomegranate juice (3.16 ± 0.16). Furthermore, the calcium content in pomegranate juice was significantly higher than that in cola (P < 0.01). Alternatively, the concentration of phosphorous in cola was significantly higher than that in pomegranate juice (P < 0.01). These findings indicate that pomegranate juice can cause enamel demineralization with an erosive potential comparable to that of cola.

Alleviation of Aluminum-Induced Oxidative Stress, Trace Element, and Mineral Levels in Rat Tissues Protective Role of Pomegranate Juice (Punica Granatum L.).

The present investigation examined the impact of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice on trace elements, minerals, and oxidative stress in relation to the potential harm inflicted by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in rats. Rats were split into four groups at random for this purpose: control (C), pomegranate juice (PJ), aluminum chloride (A), and PJ + A. For 30days, PJ was orally administered by gavage at a rate of 4mL/kg every other day, whereas AlCl3 was administered intraperitoneally at 8.3mg/kg. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity in various tissues. In addition, high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was used to determine the amounts of the elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the tissues. It was discovered that when PJ therapy was applied to all tissues, the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activity increased, the GSH level rose, and the MDA level, a sign of lipid peroxidation, decreased. Al and Ca levels increased in the A group relative to the C group in all tissues, whereas they decreased in the A + PJ group relative to the A group. Group A exhibited a proportionate increase in Fe levels in the liver and renal tissues compared with group C. Furthermore, the A group's brain tissue had a higher Fe level than the C group's. The A + PJ group's brain tissue had a lower Fe level than the A group's. Our findings demonstrate that PJ therapy greatly decreased Al buildup and oxidative stress in tissues while controlling variations in trace element levels. In addition, it is concluded that PJ might have value as a strong chelating agent to prevent Al poisoning.

Adjuvant pomegranate juice intake improves the inflammatory status of hospitalized COVID-19 patients: A randomized and placebo-controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effect of pomegranate juice intake on the inflammatory status and complete blood count in hospitalized Covid-19 patients. MethodsThis randomized, double-blinded placebo-controlled trial included 48 patients with two parallel arms. In addition to the standard care provided at the hospital, the patients consumed 500 mL of whole pomegranate juice (PJ) daily or a placebo for 14 days. Inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)) and complete blood count were determined at baseline and after the 14 days of intervention. ResultsAt the end of the intervention, a significant decreased was observed in primary outcomes [mean difference (95 %CI)] including IL-6 [5.24(0.87–9.61)], CRP [23.19(11.93–34.44)] and ESR [10.52(1.54–19.50)] in the PJ group vs. before the intervention. In addition, significant changes were also observed in the some of the secondary outcomes, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, platelets, platelets-to-lymphocyte(PLR) and neutrophils-to-lymphocyte (NLR) ratios (p < 0.05) in the PJ group compared to before the intervention. At the end of the intervention period, the mean change of IL-6 [− 7.09(−12.21 to − 1.96)], white blood cells [− 3.09(− 6.14 to − 0.05)], neutrophils [− 9.12(−18.08 to −0.15)], lymphocyte [7.05(0.17–13.92)], platelets [− 94.54(− 139.33 to − 49.75)], PLR [− 15.99(− 29.31 to − 2.67)], blood oxygen saturation [1.75(0.13–3.37)] and MCV [0.31(− 0.25 to 0.88)] levels were significantly different between groups while no difference was observed between the two groups in other blood indices. ConclusionOur results suggest that pomegranate juice intake might slightly improve the inflammatory status and CBC outcomes of COVID-19 patients and it may be beneficial.

Pomegranate attenuates kidney injury in cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity in rats by suppressing oxidative stress

Abstract To investigate the effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) on the cyclosporine (CsA)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats, 80 rats were divided into four groups. The first group was regarded a negative control group, and the others were as follows: group 2 (CsA group) received CsA in a dose of 25 mg/kg/day orally, group 3 (treated group) received CsA in a dose of 25 mg/kg/day plus 2.5 mL/day of PJ, and group 4 (PJ group) received 2.5 mL of PJ daily. By the end of the 21st day, plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine clearance, urinary KIM-1, and NGAL were determined. Histopathological investigation and the determination of malondialdehyde and antioxidant enzymes were analyzed in kidney tissues. The results show that plasma creatinine, BUN, creatinine clearance, and kidney injury molecule-1 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were significantly altered in the CsA group. The supplement of PJ attenuated the alteration in these parameters. The treatment with PJ also prohibits the CsA-induced alteration in the histopathology, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzymes. We can conclude that PJ protects against CsA-induced nephrotoxicity due to its antioxidant effects.

Therapeutic Effects of Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Juice on Liver of Diabetic Mice

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious metabolic disorder. Pomegranate has various biological effects. The present study evaluated pomegranate juice (PJ) therapeutic effects on the liver of Streptozotocin (STZ) induced DM mice model. Fifty male mice were distributed into 5 equal groups (10 each). Groups were negative control, PJ group received orally PJ (180 mg/kg), diabetic group received STZ (60 mg/kg), the diabetic received pomegranate juice (STZ+PJ) group, the diabetic received metformin (250 mg/kg) (STZ+MET) group. The experiment duration was 6 weeks. Initial and final body weights and liver weights were measured. At the experimental end, blood glucose levels and liver enzymes serum levels as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. A liver histological examination was made under a light microscope. STZ led to a significant decreased in final body weight, and an increase in blood glucose and serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP versus control. PJ administration to diabetic mice significantly decreased blood glucose and serum levels of liver enzymes versus the STZ group but AST and ALP levels were still elevated versus control. Histopathological liver examination of PJ-and MET-treated groups showed amelioration of histological changes of DM. Metformin repairs damaged hepatic cells but was not as effective as PJ. In conclusion, pomegranate juice improves liver health in diabetic mice.

Effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice as a short-term water supplement during the peak production cycle in laying hens

The objective of the study was to explore the effects of pomegranate juice (PJ) as a water supplement on performance, egg quality, and blood parameters in laying hens. For this purpose, a total of 72 Babcock laying hens, were divided into three groups, one control and two experiments (n = 24). Each main group consists of 4 subgroups, and each subgroup consists of 6 chickens. PJ was administered in drinking water at 0%, 5%, and 10% to the experimental groups for 4 weeks. Feed was offered to all groups ad libitum. The addition of PJ had no significant effect on performance parameters, Haugh unit, and egg breaking strength. The yolk color of the 5% PJ group was found to be lighter than the control and other experimental groups (P&amp;lt;0.05). The PJ did not affect serum glucose levels, serum lipid profile, liver enzyme levels, serum total protein levels, most of the hematological parameters, and serum Ca:P ratio in the present study, whereas there were linear and quadratic dose responses in AST, ALT, and HDL. Serum total Ca and P levels of 5% PJ supplemented birds were lower than 10% supplemented PJ birds, whereas it was similar to the control for both (P&amp;lt;0.05). Serum IgG levels were lower in both treatment groups than the control group (P&amp;lt;0.05). In conclusion, using 5% of PJ as a short-term water supplement have some specific effects on the cholesterol metabolism of laying hens rather than performance and immunity.

Evaluation of lead toxicity on the retina of pregnant rats and their pups: the possible ameliorative role of pomegranate juice

Background: Lead (Pb) exposure even at a low dose can induce functional and structural impairments in both humans and experimental animals. The present study evaluated the potential ameliorative role of pomegranate juice (PJ), as a powerful antioxidant fruit against histopathological and ultrastructural changes caused by Pb in the retina of pregnant rats and their neonates. Methods: 24 pregnant female rats were selected and randomly divided into four groups (n=6): control, PJ supplemented (100 μL PJ), Pb treated (18.5 mg / kg B.Wt), and Pb co-supplemented alternatively with PJ group. After birth, the mother rats, as well as their neonates at different ages (7, 14, and 21 days old), were dissected and the eyes were removed for histological, ultrastructural, and immunohistochemical investigation of the retina. Results: The obtained results revealed deleterious histological and ultrastructural lesions in all retinal cell layers of Pb-treated female rats and their offspring. Such lesions included hypertrophied cells of retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) with pronounced vacuolated mitochondria and fragmented Bruch's membrane. The outer and inner segments of photoreceptors appeared fragmented and detached from the RPE. Additionally, the outer nuclear layer (ONL) and inner nuclear layer (INL) appeared disorganized with vacuolated cytoplasm and pyknotic nuclei. The immunohistochemical results displayed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) weak expression and P53 strong expression in the retinal sections of the Pb-treated group of female rats and their neonates if compared with control. Conclusions: PJ successfully alleviated the deleterious histological and ultrastructural as well as immunohistochemical changes induced by lead.

Ameliorative effect of Punica granatum on sperm parameters in rats exposed to mobile radioelectromagnetic radiation

Objective: To study the effect of mobile emitted radio frequency electromagnetic radiation (RF-EMR) on sperm parameters (sperm count, viability, motility, progressivity, and morphology) and ameliorative effect of pomegranate juice in rats. Methods: Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n=6 in each group). Group I was neither exposed to RF-EMR nor given pomegranate juice, group II, III and IV were exposed to mobile emitted RF-EMR for 60 min/day for 90 days. After 90-day exposure to RF-EMR, group III was supplemented with pomegranate juice for 90 days (1 mL/day) and group IV was allowed to recover for 90 days without supplementation of pomegranate juice. Group V was supplemented with pomegranate juice for 90 days without exposure to RF-EMR. At the end of intervention, epididymal sperm parameters (sperm count, viability, motility, progressivity, and morphology) were measured. Results: The microscopic examination of sperm parameters such as sperm count, sperm viability, sperm motility, progressivity were significantly decreased in group II (the mobile RF-EMR group) compared to group I (the control group) (P&lt;0.05). In addition, sperm morphology was also significantly altered (abnormal) in group II compared to group I (P&lt;0.05). However, the sperm parameters including sperm morphology were significantly altered in group III (mobile RF-EMR + pomegranate juice) compared to group II (P&lt;0.05). The sperm parameters including sperm morphology were not significantly altered in group IV (the mobile RF-EMR recovery group) compared to group II (P&gt;0.05). The sperm parameters were non-significantly increased in group V (the pomegranate juice group) compared to group I (P&gt;0.05). Conclusions: Mobile RF-EMR exposure reduces the sperm parameters, which, however, can be reversed by treatment with pomegranate juice, indicating that pomegranate juice can be used as a nutritional supplement to improve sperm quality.

The effect of aerobic training and pomegranate juice on serum levels of some microRNAs related to the oxidant/antioxidant system in women recovering from breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers and the first leading cause of cancer death (25.5%) among women across the world. Oxidative stress and overproduction of free radicals are among the most important reasons for the progression of cancers. This study aimed to investigate the effect of eight weeks of aerobic exercise with pomegranate juice on Serum microRNAs levels related to the oxidant/antioxidant system of women recovering from breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this semi-experimental study, 40 women recovering from breast cancer with a mean age of 42.45±1.95 were randomly assigned into four equal groups (n=10), including control, pomegranate juice, aerobic exercise, and aerobic-pomegranate. The aerobic and aerobic-pomegranate groups performed eight 60-90-min sessions of exercises three times a week with an intensity of 50% to 70% of the target heart rate. The pomegranate juice group received 100 cc of juice before each training session. Blood samples were collected 48 h before and after the intervention. Oncogenic microRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-155, were assayed by RT-PCR. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, ANCOVA, and Bonferroni post hoc test at a significance level of P≤0/05. Results: In total, eight weeks of aerobic exercise with the consumption of pomegranate juice caused a significant decrease in miR-21 (P=0.001) and miR-155 (P=0.001) levels in women recovering from breast cancer, compared to the control group. Conclusion: Aerobic exercise and consumption of pomegranate juice simultaneously reduced oncogene microRNAs, such as miR-21 and miR-155, in women recovering from breast cancer.

The protective role of pomegranate juice with and without valproic acid on epileptic rats

Epilepsy is one of the greatest common neurological disorders characterized by epileptic seizures. The present study aims to investigate the protective effects of pomegranate juice with and without valproic acid on epileptic rats. Pomegranate juice (PJ) used in popular folk medicine for the treatment of various diseases due to its antioxidants content. Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-established anticonvulsant drug used in the treatment of many forms of generalized epilepsy and psychiatric disorders to control epileptic seizures. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is a central nervous system convulsant which induce seizures and used as a routine test for screening of anticonvulsants. In the present study 35 rats were divided into 7 groups: control group, PTZ group, PJ group, VPA group, VPA+PTZ group, PJ+PTZ group, and PJ+VPA+PTZ group. Groups treated with pomegranate juice received daily oral doses of 10 µL/g of body weight for 28 days. Groups treated with valproic acid received daily intraperitoneal (IP) doses of 500 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. At the last day of the experiment groups treated with PTZ were injected with a single IP dose of PTZ (60 mg/kg B.W), while other groups without PTZ received the same dose of sterile isotonic saline solution. After 30 minutes animals were decapitated. Injection of rats with PTZ or VPA resulted in significant increase in liver functions and lipid profile except HDL-c. Results showed significant decrease in antioxidants while treatment with pomegranate juice showed significant decrease in liver functions and lipid profile and significant increase in antioxidants.

Direct supplementation with Urolithin A overcomes limitations of dietary exposure and gut microbiome variability in healthy adults to achieve consistent levels across the population

BackgroundUrolithin A (UA) is produced by gut microflora from foods rich in ellagitannins. UA has been shown to improve mitochondrial health preclinically and in humans. Not everyone has a microbiome capable of producing UA, making supplementation with UA an appealing strategy.ObjectiveThis is the first detailed investigation of the prevalence of UA producers in a healthy population and the ability of direct UA supplementation to overcome both microbiome and dietary variability. Dietary intake of a glass of pomegranate juice (PJ) was used to assess UA producer status (n = 100 participants) and to characterize differences in gut microbiome between UA producers from non-producers.MethodsSubjects were randomized (1:1) to either PJ or a food product containing UA (500 mg). Prevalence of UA producers and non-producers were determined in the PJ group. Diet questionnaires and fecal samples were collected to compare differences between UA producers and non-producers along with plasma samples at different time points to assess levels of UA and its conjugates between the interventions.ResultsOnly 12% of subjects had detectable levels of UA at baseline. Following PJ intake ~40% of the subjects converted significantly the precursor compounds into UA. UA producers were distinguished by a significantly higher gut microbiome diversity and ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroides. Direct supplementation with UA significantly increased plasma levels and provided a >6-fold exposure to UA vs. PJ (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsDifferences in gut microbiome and diet that dictate natural exposure to UA can be overcome via direct dietary UA supplementation.

Pomegranate juice reverses AlCl3-Induced neurotoxicity and improves learning and memory in female mice

BackgroundAluminum is a neurotoxic element that can accumulate in the brain and cause neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, the antioxidants found in pomegranate juice (PJ) are much more than those existing in other fruits. It was proven to provide protection against neurodegenerative diseases. ObjectivesThis experiment aimed to clarify the amelioration efficiency of PJ against aluminum chloride-induced neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in female mice. MethodsThe female mice were given oral administrations for 35 days as follows. The control group received tap water, the PJ groups received 20% and 40% pomegranate juice, the aluminum chloride (AlCl3) group was treated with 400 mg/kg AlCl3, and the last two groups received AlCl3 + 20% PJ and AlCl3 + 40% PJ, respectively. The neurobehavioral features were assessed by shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze devices. Furthermore, the neurotransmitters and oxidative indicators in the brains of the female mice were determined at the end of experiment. ResultsSignificant effects of AlCl3 were observed on female mice in the body weight, during the behavioral tasks (shuttle box, T-maze, and Morris water maze), and in neurotransmitters and oxidative stress parameters. Pomegranate juice, especially at low concentrations, induced remarkable improvements in body weight, spatial memory and learning during T-maze, Morris water maze and shuttle box tasks, as well as in neurotransmitters and oxidative biomarkers in the AlCl3-treated female mice. ConclusionPJ reversed AlCl3-induced neurotoxicity and improved learning and memory in female mice. However, PJ contains a group of antioxidants that may be considered double-edged swords in the cellular redox status especially at high doses.

Preventive effect of pomegranate juice against chemically induced bladder cancer: An experimental study

ObjectivesPomegranate juice (PJ) is rich in important compounds with anti-cancer activities. This study aims to investigate the preventive effect of pomegranate juice (PJ) against bladder cancer (BC). MethodsEighty male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly classified into 4 equal groups: (1) Normal controls; (2) PJ group: supplied by PJ for 12 weeks; (3) Cancer-induced group: intake 0.05% v/v N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)-nitrosamine (BBN) for 8 weeks; (4) Cancer-prevented group: BBN + PJ. After 12 weeks, all rats were sacrificed and their urinary bladder tissues were subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical (p53) examinations, expression of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and the tumor protein p53 (TP53) and analysis of oxidative stress markers. ResultsThe development of BC was: 0/20 (0%) in normal, PJ and cancer-prevented groups and 20/20 (100%) in cancer-induced group. Significant neoplastic lesions were observed in cancer-induced group. Mild preneoplastic alterations were noticed in 25% (5/20) of cancer-prevented group. p53 immunostaining were significantly elevated in the cancer-induced group, which was decreased in the cancer-prevented group. The relative expressions of IL-6, TNF-α, HIF-1 and TP53 were significantly lower in the cancer-prevented group compared to the cancer-treated group. Correction in the oxidative stress markers were also observed in the cancer-prevented group. ConclusionPJ possesses a promising inhibitory effect on BC development, probably due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pomegranate juice rescues developmental, neurobehavioral and biochemical disorders in aluminum chloride-treated male mice

PurposeAluminum (Al) is a harmful metal to organisms and is capable of entering the human body in multiple ways, such as through drinking, breathing, deodorant use, and vaccination. This study examined the prospective toxicity of Al and the protective attributes of pomegranate juice (PJ) on neurobehavioral and biochemical parameters of male mice. MethodsSix groups of male mice were treated for 35 days with 20 % PJ (group II), 40 % PJ (group III), 400 mg/kg Al (group IV), Al + 20 % PJ (group V), Al + 40 % PJ (group VI) or tap water (control, group I). Behavioral assessments were conducted for learning and memory evaluations at the end of experiment. In addition, the forebrain was isolated for biochemical analysis. ResultsThe exposure of male mice to Al decreased learning and memory retention in the shuttle box, Morris water-maze and T-Maze tests. Biochemical analysis revealed significant depletions in neurotransmitters including DA, 5-HT and AChE and oxidative proteins including GSH, GST, CAT and SOD and increased TBARES levels in Al-treated mice compared to untreated mice. Pomegranate juice provided protection against these effects after Al exposure by ameliorating learning and memory retention and oxidative state in a dose-independent manner. ConclusionOur data demonstrated that Al exposure caused behavioral and biochemical disorders. Pomegranate juice in lower dose has beneficial properties for health and can be used as a source of antioxidants to reduce the toxicity of Al and other substances.

Randomized placebo-controlled study of the memory effects of pomegranate juice in middle-aged and older adults

Antioxidant nutrients such as the polyphenols in pomegranate juice may prevent neuronal damage from the free radicals produced during normal metabolism. Previous research in animals and a short-term clinical trial in middle-aged and older adults support the potential memory benefits of pomegranate juice; however, the long-term effects of pomegranate juice consumption on cognition have not been studied. In this study, we investigated the long-term effect of pomegranate juice on memory in nondemented middle-aged and older adults. We performed a 12-month, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pomegranate juice in middle-aged and older adults. Two hundred and sixty-one subjects (aged 50-75 y) were randomly assigned to consume pomegranate juice [8 oz (236.5 mL) per day] or a placebo drink (8 oz, matched constituents of pomegranate juice except for pomegranate polyphenols). Memory measures [Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) and Buschke Selective Reminding Test (SRT)] were assessed at 6 and 12 mo and analyzed using a mixed-effects general linear model. Twenty-eight subjects in the pomegranate juice group and 33 subjects in the placebo group dropped out before completing the study. Baseline variables in the 98 pomegranate juice and 102 placebo group subjects who completed the study did not differ significantly. Group by time interaction was statistically significant for BVMT-R Learning (F[2, 257]=5.90, P=0.003; between-group effect size [ES]=0.45): the change within the pomegranate group was not significant (ES=0.15), whereas the placebo group showed a significant decline (ES=-0.35). Changes in the other BVMT-R scores as well as the SRT measures were not significantly different between groups. Daily consumption of pomegranate juice may stabilize the ability to learn visual information over a 12-mo period. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02093130.

The anti-arrhythmic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) are mainly mediated by nitric oxide

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate juice (PJ) contains strong antioxidant polyphenols, and cardiovascular beneficial effects have been reported for the fruit. OBJECTIVE: Using a Langendorff’s model, we hypothesized that PJ has antiarrhythmic effects on isolated rat hearts. METHODS: The hearts in the control group (n = 10) were perfused with Krebs solution. The test groups (n = 10, each) were further perfused with PJ, L-NAME (L), or both (PJL). Following 30 min stabilization, all hearts experienced 30 min global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. The hearts were monitored for the occurrence of single and salvo arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF). The cardiac release of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and nitrite were measured. In addition, the markers of oxidative stress including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed in the homogenates of the hearts. RESULTS: The PJ group showed a significant reduction in the occurrence of arrhythmias, an improvement in redox markers, and a rise in nitrite release, compared to the control. Simultaneous treatment with L-NAME significantly reduced, but not fully abolished, these effects. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests strong anti-arrhythmic effects for PJ, which are mainly mediated by nitric oxide.

The effect of synbiotics pomegranate juice on cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS patients: a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled trial.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)is one of the most common metabolic and endocrine disorders. Functional foods like pomegranate and probiotics are those that are considered to have beneficial effects on metabolic diseases beyond their basic nutritional value.So, we aimed to evaluate the effect of synbiotic pomegranate juice (SPJ) on cardiovascular risk factors on PCOS patients. This was a randomized, triple-blinded, 8-week trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 300mL/day of pomegranate juice (PJ), synbiotic beverage (SB), synbiotic pomegranate juice (SPJ), or placebo beverage (PB).Biochemical indices (lipid profile,Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC),Malondialdehyde (MDA), high sensitive C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP))and blood pressurewere assessed before and after the intervention. Participants in the PJ, SB, and SPJ groups experienced improvement in their lipid profile, oxidative stress, inflammation, and blood pressure during the time. Compared to placebo, Total Cholesterol (TC) was lower in the SB group (P < 0.01), LDL-c was lower in the SPJ and SB groups (P < 0.01), and HDL-c was higher in the SPJ and PJ groups (P < 0.01). With regards to oxidative stress and inflammation, when compared with placebo, MDA was lower in the SPJ, SB, and PJ groups (P < 0.001), TAC was increased in the SPJ and PJ groups (P[Formula: see text] 0.001), and hs-CRP was decreased in the PJ group (P = 0.02). Blood pressure (BP) was lower in the SPJ and PJ groups compared to placebo (P < 0.001; P < 0.01, respectively). Consuming daily SPJ for 8weeks improved metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and BP outcomes in females with PCOS. This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20170207032439N2).

Pomegranate Juice Diminishes The Mitochondria-Dependent Cell Death And NF-kB Signaling Pathway Induced By Copper Oxide Nanoparticles On Liver And Kidneys Of Rats.

BackgroundPomegranate (Punica granatum L) has been used since ancient times in the traditional medicine of several cultures, particularly in the Middle East. It is an essential commercial crop full of bioactive compounds with several medical applications. Pomegranate is very popular for its biological effects exerted by phenolic compounds via free radical scavenging abilities. It has revealed high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and is beneficial for the amelioration of liver and kidney diseases.PurposeTo elucidate the potential efficacy of pomegranate juice (PJ) against copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs)-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress damage.Study design37 nm sized CuO-NPs were prepared by precipitation method and characterized by using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Zetasizer nano-and high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM). 30 Wistar rats were partitioned into 6 equal groups as follows: Group 1 (negative control), groups 2 & 3 (PJ control groups), group 4 (CuO-NPs group), groups 5 & 6 (CuO-NPs + PJ groups). Methods: Hepato-renal protective effect of PJ was evaluated by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes (ALT, AST,blood urea nitrogen and creatinine). Cu NPs bioaccumulation in liver and kidneys was determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The oxidative stress markers, Rt-PCR analysis, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were carried out in the liver and kidneys to support the above parameters.ResultsRats injected with CuO-NPs showed higher levels of the above serum marker enzymes, alteration of oxidant–antioxidant balance together with severe pathological alterations in liver and kidney tissues and overexpression of both caspase-3 and nuclear factor kappa B protein (NF-ĸB) associated with upregulation of Bax gene and downregulation of Bcl2 gene in these organs. PJ ameliorated all of the above toxicological parameters.ConclusionPJ was proved to be a potential hepato-renal protective agent against liver and kidney damage induced by CuO-NPs via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Effect of Pomegranate Juice against High Fat Diet Induced Fatty Liver in rats

This research aims at studying the effect of pomegranate juice against high fat diet induced fatty liver in rats. Forty adult male rats Sprague-Dawley strain, were divided into four groups of ten rats each weighing 180±20g. (G1) control group that were fed on standard diet, (G2) rats fed on standard diet with Pomegranate juice (20 ml/kg body weight orally) , (G3) rats fed on high fat diet, (G4) rats fed on high fat diet with pomegranate juice (20 ml/kg body weight orally). The experiment was conducted for 6 weeks. The incidence of fatty liver was evaluated by assayed the liver enzymes in serum (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase), serum lipid profile such as total cholesterol , high density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and histopathological examination of liver.The high fat diet group (G3), revealed hyperlipidemia, elevated in liver enzymes and histological changes in the liver tissue. While, the rats fed high fat diet with pomegranate juice group (G4), showed reduction in the levels of serum lipids and improvement in the liver enzymes. Furthermore, pomegranate juice reduced the occurrence of histological changes in rat's liver . The results of the study concluded that daily administration of pomegranate juice can protect against developing changes caused by high fat diet and reduced the development of fatty liver. These findings suggested that drinking pomegranate juice may be beneficial for people who are exposed to fatty liver or hypercholesterolemia. .

Pomegranate Juice Increases Sirtuin1 Protein in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell from Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial.

Few studies have examined anti-inflammatory effects of pomegranate juice (PJ). The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of PJ on nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and sirtuin1 in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC), and plasma vascular inflammation biomarkers. Patients with type 2 diabetes were randomly assigned to either the PJ (n = 22) or the placebo group (n = 22). The patients in the PJ group received 250 mL of PJ daily for 12 weeks, whereas the placebo group received corresponding control beverages of similar color and energy content. At baseline and at the end of week 12, fasting plasma concentrations of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule type 1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule type 1 (sVCAM-1), and soluble E-selectin (sE-selectin) were measured. NF-κB p65 and SIRT1 were measured in the PBMC. Plasma sE-selectin concentration decreased significantly in the PJ group at the end of week 12 compared to baseline (P < 0.001 for treatment effect), and the reduction was significant in comparison with the placebo group (P < 0.05 for treatment effect). There were no significant differences between the two groups in plasma sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1. At the end of the study, compared with the placebo group, NF-κB p65 in PBMC was significantly lower (P < 0.01 for treatment effect) and SIRT1 was significantly higher (P < 0.0001 for treatment effect) in the PJ group. This study supports the PJ consumption as a food with potential benefits in individuals with type 2 diabetes as evidenced by improvements in NF-κB and SIRT1 levels in PBMC of study participants.